• Written by: admin
• September 1, 2025

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS)

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is a psychological condition where a child unjustifiably rejects or resents one parent, often due to the influence or manipulation of the other parent during a custody dispute. The term was first introduced by Dr. Richard A. Gardner in the 1980s to describe the adverse effects of one parent’s attempts to alienate the child from the other parent.

Key Characteristics of PAS

1. Unwarranted Rejection:
   • The child shows consistent hostility or fear toward one parent without valid reasons, such as abuse or neglect.
2. Negative Conditioning:
   • The alienating parent manipulates the child’s perception of the targeted parent through criticism, false allegations, or exaggeration of flaws.
3. Unjustified Allegations:
   • The child may make baseless accusations against the targeted parent, often mirroring the alienating parent’s claims.
4. Resistance to Contact:
   • The child resists or refuses to spend time with the targeted parent, even in court-ordered visitation.

Behaviors of an Alienating Parent

1. Denigrating the Other Parent:
   • Constantly speaking negatively about the targeted parent in front of the child.
2. Restricting Contact:
   • Interfering with visitation rights or making excuses to limit interactions.
3. Using the Child as a Messenger:
   • Involving the child in adult conflicts or using them to convey negative messages.
4. Creating Dependence:
   • Encouraging the child to align exclusively with the alienating parent by fostering a sense of loyalty or fear of abandonment.

Effects of PAS on Children

1. Emotional and Psychological Issues:
   • Low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
2. Identity Struggles:
   • The child may feel conflicted about their sense of self, especially if they internalize negative views about the alienated parent.
3. Long-Term Consequences:
   • In adulthood, the child may realize the alienation, leading to guilt, resentment toward the alienating parent, or estrangement from both parents.

Signs of Parental Alienation

1. Parental alienation refers to a situation where one parent intentionally or unintentionally undermines the child’s relationship with the other parent. It can manifest in various behaviors, some of which are subtle, while others are more obvious. Here are some signs of parental alienation:
2. Badmouthing the Other Parent
   Constantly speaking negatively about the other parent to the child.
   Criticizing the other parent in the child’s presence or through indirect comments, making the child feel guilty for loving both parents.
3. Unfounded Rejection of the Other Parent
   The child suddenly begins to express strong dislike or rejection of the other parent without a clear or valid reason.
   The child may refuse to visit or spend time with the other parent, even when they previously had a healthy relationship.
4.  Manipulating the Child’s Affections
   Encouraging the child to feel sympathy for one parent while demonizing the other.
   Trying to create a sense of loyalty conflict in the child, where they feel they must choose sides.
5. Limiting Communication
   Preventing or restricting the child from communicating with the alienated parent, whether through phone calls, messages, or other forms of contact.
   Disrupting visitation schedules or making it difficult for the child to see the other parent.
6.  Involving the Child in Adult Issues
   Sharing inappropriate details of the parent’s conflicts or personal grievances with the child.
   Forcing the child to take sides or be an emotional confidant.
7. False Allegations
   The child may begin making false accusations of abuse or neglect against the other parent, often influenced by the alienating parent’s behavior.
8. Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) Symptoms in the Child
   A child might exhibit behaviors such as:
   Having intense feelings of hatred or anger toward the alienated parent, often without a justifiable reason.
   Exhibiting a complete refusal to spend time with the alienated parent, even if they were once close.
   Speaking in a manner that seems too mature or rehearsed, as if influenced by the alienating parent.
9. Emotional or Psychological Manipulation
   The child may be pressured into believing that they would be betraying the alienating parent if they express love for the other parent.
   The alienating parent might make the child feel responsible for the parent’s happiness or emotional well-being.
10. Resentment Toward the Alienated Parent’s Family
    The child may also begin to dislike or avoid extended family members of the alienated parent (e.g., grandparents, aunts, uncles), despite having had a good relationship with them previously.
11. Significant Behavioral Changes
    A child’s behavior may dramatically change, becoming more anxious, withdrawn, or aggressive, especially when in the presence of the alienating parent.
    Sudden mood swings or emotional distress related to interactions with the alienated parent. If you observe signs of parental alienation, it’s important to address the issue, as it can have long-term emotional and psychological consequences for the child. Professional support, such as therapy or legal intervention, may be needed to resolve the situation.